Brady is retiring in 3-5 years. That's inevitable, and while everyone here would love to see Tom continue to play for the rest of eternity, that isn't going to happen. Obviously Belichick and co. don't feel Mallett is the answer at QB after Brady departs. Based on this, they felt it worthwhile to invest a draft pick (which is entirely a crapshoot to begin with) on a player they feel has the potential to be a successful starting QB in the NFL. Fact is, you don't draft a guy and turn him into a starter overnight. It takes time and sitting behind Brady is only going to help Jimmy. Better to get a jumpstart on the Brady replacement than to wait until he does indeed walk away.

And for what it's worth, this pick was done with the idea of JG being the starter one day. This isn't a strategic move in order to trade Mallett (although it does give them that flexibility now). Belichick and Lombardi are truly searching for a Brady replacement at this point, ala the Favre-Rodgers situation. Good for them -- I have no problem with the pick.

Brady is retiring in 3-5 years. That's inevitable, and while everyone here would love to see Tom continue to play for the rest of eternity, that isn't going to happen. Obviously Belichick and co. don't feel Mallett is the answer at QB after Brady departs. Based on this, they felt it worthwhile to invest a draft pick (which is entirely a crapshoot to begin with) on a player they feel has the potential to be a successful starting QB in the NFL. Fact is, you don't draft a guy and turn him into a starter overnight. It takes time and sitting behind Brady is only going to help Jimmy. Better to get a jumpstart on the Brady replacement than to wait until he does indeed walk away.

And for what it's worth, this pick was done with the idea of JG being the starter one day. This isn't a strategic move in order to trade Mallett (although it does give them that flexibility now). Belichick and Lombardi are truly searching for a Brady replacement at this point, ala the Favre-Rodgers situation. Good for them -- I have no problem with the pick.

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Let's go Pats!

You take a QB in the second rd it means no way Brady is playing 3-5 more years. 2 at the MOST and don't be shocked if it's only 2014 and done.

We'll probably never know what Lombardi felt about the draft - certainly not while he is still employed by the Pats and the proverbial gag order is in place.

BTW ... am I the only one that finds it strange that the official Pats web site doesn't list Lombardi on either the Coaching Staff or the Front Office??? Steve Belichick is listed among the coaches but Lombardi is nowhere to be found???

I don't know anything about the QB but as others have said the Pats at some point have to find a replacement for Brady. BB and the scouting staff like this kid and who are we to say they did the wrong thing. I have never seen this kid play at all so I can't say anything about his ability. Being an NFL QB not only requires physical ability but it also requires a great deal of mental ability. Reading defenses and understanding coverages is a huge aspect of that position.

My goodness you have been running around this forum acting like a child! Our New England Pats have signed Revis, Browner , Lafell and re-uped Edelman. BB took a player that has immense upside in round 1, then absolutely looked into the future with Garappolo.

Stop whining. The Patriots have 7 selections today. Let's see what they do.

My goodness you have been running around this forum acting like a child! Our New England Pats have signed Revis, Browner , Lafell and re-uped Edelman. BB took a player that has immense upside in round 1, then absolutely looked into the future with Garappolo.

Stop whining. The Patriots have 7 selections today. Let's see what they do.

My goodness you have been running around this forum acting like a child! Our New England Pats have signed Revis, Browner , Lafell and re-uped Edelman. BB took a player that has immense upside in round 1, then absolutely looked into the future with Garappolo.

Stop whining. The Patriots have 7 selections today. Let's see what they do.

I feel TE is a huge need for this team for now and the future. Please mr. wise one, tell me with those 7 picks can the Pats fill this TE position? I do not think so, not unless they get Fiedorowicz away from the Texans with a Mallet trade. So 7 picks really don't mean much to me with such a huge TE position not addressed for the future.

C'mon TFB12!! Your a good poster but your recent draft posts are bordering on trolling! I learned with the David Terrell / Richard Seymour draft that BB knows more than we do! He has eaned a little more latitude than you and many posters here are giving him! Stay well brother!

C'mon TFB12!! Your a good poster but your recent draft posts are bordering on trolling! I learned with the David Terrell / Richard Seymour draft that BB knows more than we do! He has eaned a little more latitude than you and many posters here are giving him! Stay well brother!

"Giggedy, Giggedy!"

Dude, spin it any way you want, we blew it at TE this year. 5 solid TE's that would be huge for this team and BB didn't go get any of them. That is inexcusable!!

On the season, started all 13 games played at center for the national champs and won the Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center.

Bottom LineGood-sized, bump-and-steer blocker ideally suited for a zone-blocking, slide-protection scheme. Smart, tough technician capable of serving as an interior swing backup and could eventually fend for a starting job as a pivot. Will be best developed by a patient, respectful position coach.

BB loves swing linemen and he obviously wasn't too bad if he won nations best center.